Im/migration: Stations of the Cross

The 14 Stations of the Cross represent a series of significant moments in Jesus’ last day, beginning with his condemnation to death by Pontius Pilate, and ending with his body being placed in a stone tomb. Like many artists, we added a Station 15, “Jesus is Resurrected,” in order to complete the story.

The following series of stations was curated by Grace Commons during Lent 2012, contemplating each station through the lens of immigration and migration. Artists from several churches and other organizations participated in creating the art. (You can see photos of the art opening, Palm Sunday, 2012, here on flickr.) Station 15 was completed on Easter Sunday at our community gathering for spiritual practice.

Walking the Stations of the Cross, or “praying” them, is a traditional spiritual practice among Christians. It’s a practice that evolved so people anywhere could symbolically go on “pilgrimage” to the Holy Land and tap into the power of the location and the events that happened there.

By entering the story of Jesus’ last day through art we reflect on The Passion outside of the intellect. We involve our senses, our experience and our emotions.

The Practice

Art: First look at the art. What is going on here?

Scripture: Read the related scripture if there is any posted in the comments associated with each piece. Some moments in the traditional story don’t have a related scripture.

Artist’s Statement: Read the statements prepared by the artists to learn more about their inspiration and interpretation.

Prayer: Finally, express your response through writing something or by simply repeating a prayer to yourself in your own words. Or, if you want, you can repeat a traditional prayer, such as the Lord’s Prayer (“Our father…”) or the Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.”) The spirit of this Jesus prayer could also be rendered “Holy One, have compassion for me for the ways I have failed. Give me strength to change.”

Consider the struggles, injustices, blessings, longings, and hope that run through the im/migration experience as expressed through this artistic interpretation of the Stations of the Cross.